The autumn/winter seed of Emma Watson’s People Tree fashion collaboration was planted as it went on sale today. “Although I wasn’t centrally involved in the design of this collection, I had great fun in helping People Tree select some gorgeous Fair Trade textiles,” explains Watson, highlighting in particular “a dogtooth hand-woven check, cable knits, and the first Fair Trade hand-woven brushed checked fabric, which has been made into easy tulip skirts, dresses and shirts”. What’s more, “there are even a few party dresses, such as the little black satin tulip dress which can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.”
Last week Watson announced that the spring/summer 2011 collection for People Tree would be unveiled at a fashion show at The Prince of Wales’ eco festival, A Garden Party To Make A Difference. Finding it hard to convey what Fair Trade means to those producing her fashion, Watson recently visited Bangladesh to see the physical difference that Fair Trade makes upon the people, finding “the contrast between the slums in Dhaka (the capital of Bangladesh), where those who work in the garment factories live and Swallows (the Fair Trade community supported by People Tree), all too apparent.”
